Public Utilities is replacing all water meters in the city with smart meters as part of a multi-year initiative to upgrade to an automatic meter reading (AMR) system. A smart meter is a device that transmits meter readings wirelessly, eliminating the need for manual meter reading.

Benefits of Smart Meters

• Improved speed and efficiency of obtaining meter readings
• More consistent billing periods
• Reduced need for estimated readings and bill adjustments
• Reduced risk of human error
• Reduced carbon footprint

What to Expect

About a month before meter replacements begin in each neighborhood, a notification will be posted on Nextdoor and sent to area civic leagues, if applicable.

Meter replacement takes about one hour, and a door hanger will be left upon completion. Residents do not need to be home while this work is performed.

Water service will be temporarily interrupted during the meter replacement. Afterward, there may be temporary discoloration or air bubbles in the water. The water remains safe to consume. To clear any discoloration, residents can run cold water from their taps for about 5 minutes, or until the water runs clear. Any remaining discoloration should naturally dissipate within 12 to 24 hours.

About one month after the meter replacement, crews will return to install the smart meter’s final transmission component. This typically takes no more than 15 minutes. 

Once fully installed, the meter will no longer be manually read. Instead, Public Utilities will collect readings using a radio transmitter from a city vehicle.